Joliet altering traffic patterns downtown as Chicago Street project progresses

Traffic control and safety measures will be changing in downtown Joliet beginning Thursday in relation to the Chicago Street Streetscape project.

Van Buren Street from Chicago Street to Scott Street, and Chicago Street from Van Buren Street to Clinton Street will reopen, according to a news release from the city.

Clinton Street will remain open.

There is no daytime parking on Chicago Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow continued construction activities, according to the release.

Evening use of the east parking lane is allowed for ADA dropoff at the entrance to the Rialto Square Theatre, according to the city.

The downtown valet station will move from Clinton Street to Chicago Street south of Clinton Street, according to the city.

Pedestrians are cautioned to access the sidewalks using only completed concrete access areas. The area between the curb and sidewalk still is under construction.

The existing closures of Chicago Street from Jefferson to Van Buren streets, and also from Clinton Street to Cass Street must remain closed until ComEd completes their vault reconstructions in these blocks, according to the release.

On street parking will not be allowed within these closures, so the city is encouraging visitors to downtown to use the City Center parking deck.

Safety fencing for pedestrian routes is in place throughout the construction zone but all businesses are open and pedestrian access to all businesses will be maintained at all times, according to the city.